BERLIN: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday warned that the Israel-Hezbollah war could spark a “regional conflagration” after holding talks with Israeli opposition politician Benny Gantz, who previously served in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet.
Gantz, who is currently a centrist lawmaker, met with Scholz, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and other officials to address the complex security situation stemming from Israel’s simultaneous confrontations with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Gantz has been vocal about the need for a comprehensive post-war strategy for Gaza, having left Netanyahu’s cabinet in June due to concerns over the government’s plans.
In a message posted on social media platform X, Scholz emphasized that “Hezbollah must withdraw from the border area of Lebanon” and urged all involved parties to pursue diplomatic solutions.
The German Chancellor also highlighted the shared responsibility of Iran in de-escalating tensions.
The German Chancellor’s remarks followed his recent conversations with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, where he expressed hope that the ongoing conflict would not escalate further. “The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah must not become a regional conflagration,” he stated.
In response to international calls for a ceasefire, Israel rejected the proposal, which has been backed by the United States and several other nations, insisting on continuing military operations against Hezbollah until achieving “victory.”
Germany has joined a coalition of nations advocating for a “21-day ceasefire” along the Lebanon-Israel border.
